Investigators from the Manitoba Finance Special Investigations Unit yesterday located and seized 380,000 contraband cigarettes from a self-storage unit in Winnipeg. 

 

Assistance in the seizure was provided by the RCMP Customs and Excise Section. 

 

The investigation was initiated as the result of a Crime Stoppers tip and led to the arrest of a 34‑year‑old Winnipeg man who has been charged in connection with possession of the cigarettes.  

 

The cigarettes are packaged in plastic baggies of 200 and bear no Canadian health or tax markings. 

 

The individual faces charges under the Manitoba Tobacco Tax Act and the Excise Act (2001). 

 

People convicted of offences under the provincial legislation are subject to fines of up to $10,000 and/or up to six months in prison. In addition to any fines, a convicted person is liable to an additional penalty equal to three times the amount of tax avoided. 

 

Further investigation continues into yesterday’s seizure.

 

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